DAVAO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles) – On again, off again. That’s how Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s bid to become the next president of the Philippines has been characterized by his followers and opponents,  and by the media.

Well, it’s on again.  After repeated statements that he was not interested in the position, the tough-talking Duterte, who is known for his extra-judicial style of management, says that he has decided to run in the 2016 elections.  His latest pronouncement was triggered by the Senate Electoral Trubunal (SET) ruling throwing out the disqualification case against Senator Grace Poe.  The case was filed on the grounds that as a foundling, Poe is not a natural-born citizen and is therefore ineligible to run for president.

We, at The Adobo Chronicles have been accused of reporting ‘hoax’ stories, so Duterte’s recent announcement about running for president must be a hoax, right?

Or so do many Filipinos hope.